Peter Dundas Named Creative Director at Roberto Cavalli

Peter Dundas took his last bow at Emilio Pucci last month during Milan Fashion Week, after 7 years with the brand but the designer won't be leaving Milan anytime soon. Last Thursday it was announced that the Norwegian designer will be taking over the reigns at Roberto Cavalli.

"This is a homecoming for me. It is an honor for me to continue to evolve the wonderful world of Roberto Cavalli and I am very excited by the possibilities and potential of this unique brand. I cannot wait to get started", said Dundas, who previously worked as chief designer at the house from 2002-2005. Dundas will present his first collection in September.

“The choice of Peter Dundas was made with the desire to evolve a style that combines glamour, tradition and innovation, recognized worldwide as the signature of Cavalli since the birth of the house”, commented Roberto and Eva Cavalli.

For the Fall-Winter 2015/16, Peter Dundas explores a glistening starry night, celebrating the symbols of astrology and the unforseen powers they behold. The dandyism of Jimmy Page and the glam-goth style of Stevie Nicks electrify the looks and set the vibe. Graphic black and white undulates at the center of this collection, marking it with a modern urbanity, while also rendering homage to Emilio Pucci’s own black and white collection of the late 1950s.

Zodiac iconography pulses through the collection, creating intriguing, cosmic-laden patterns. Shooting stars, blazing suns and lustrous moons illuminate fade-to-black prints, while hand painted zodiac signs orbit around silk crepe iconic T-shirt dresses. The symbols such as Sagittarius, Pisces, Scorpio, Libra and Aries are intricately reproduced in shimmering gold bead and thread embroideries on crushed velvet shorts, mini dresses or a dramatic sweeping cape.

Maxi lengths unfurl on sweeping velvet coats, fine-knit sweater dresses or suede skirts punctuated with zodiac appliques. The new trouser silhouette, with an exaggerated wide leg, creates a bold look in black and white tartan or vertical stripes, while snug roll-neck sweaters feature three sporty stripes. Mini lengths, on second-skin dresses, skirts and shorts, create flashes of bare skin and a shot of unapologetic sexiness. The mystery of the night skies informs the collection’s dark palette of midnight blues, bottle green and black, but also radiates with flashes of cobalt blue, blood red and wasabi green. The graphic quality is enhanced by a ribbon patchwork of multi colored python and metallic deerskin on bomber jackets or on full length, banded knit dresses. A suede cape, punched with a leather and lacquered python applique and a shower of fringes. Fur chubbies mimic prints with their dripping intarsia patterns and marble effects.

Tiers of satin charmeuse and silky transparent chiffon create Bohemian gypsy dresses for evening. A fringe dress swings with delicate bands of pearls. Micro-sequins are crushed together to create a blanket of shine on mini dresses, while paillette fringes animate the surface of a black and white checkerboard jacket.

Embroidered thigh high boots matching with the dresses, platform ankle boots, Mary Janes and sandals with gold mirror heels elongate the silhouette. Structured bucket bags with maxi tassels and Janis bags with eyelets and maxi fringes complete the look. Star-shaped eyewear turns the gaze upward and onward to new magical journeys.

With the slim maxi coats, tapering out from narrow shoulder lines; the long tailored evening skirts; and the astrological signs embroidered on dresses, boots, and a full-length velvet cloak, it made for a classy, complete final performance. There are more collections which reference the seventies from other designers this season. They might be worried, because after Peter Dundas’s last word on the subject at Emilio Pucci, it’s hard to imagine who could better it.

Discover Emilio Pucci F/W '15/16 runway show at the end of this post! LoL, Andrea 

Selections by ANDEA JANKE Finest Accessories 

Photo Credit/Source: The House of Emilio Pucci

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In Paris it is unusual to attend a show where the designer makes no attempt even emptily, disingenuously, or cosmetically at some artsy-fartsy proposition. Saab, to his credit, didn't bother. Instead he presented a collection heaped with leafiness: leafy printed macramé lace, leafy appliqué on leather, leafy chiffon, leafy-toned tweeds, and leafy-toned fox fur you get the drift.

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